Thursday, July 31, 2008

I love baking. Last week, I made chocolate chip cookies. I felt I had to try them because, the author of Orangette gushed and gushed. And I quote, "In fact, it is, without a doubt, the best chocolate chip cookie that I have ever made at home. It is also the best chocolate chip cookie that I have ever eaten. It scares me a little to make such a bold statement, but I have decided to do it anyway. " So, if you're in the mood for a new chocolate chip cookie recipe, I recommend following the link and giving them a try. I will make them again, though the next time I'll probably leave off the sea salt or only put a couple grains on each. It weirded Wayne out a bit.

Yesterday, I was in the mood for a tried and true recipe, one that didn't require a day or two of refrigeration before enjoying them. This is a Martha Stewart recipe that I wrote down years ago. I love using both Heath toffee chips and chocolate chips in this cookie. They're chewy and crunchy. Enjoy!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Wayne and I celebrated our 8th anniversary yesterday. Matt and Michelle watched Tyler so that we could have dinner together. We enjoyed a nice, quiet dinner at Adrian's. Afterward, we swung next door to Dick's Sporting Goods to pick up a fire pit that we had been eyeing during our tent-scouting. I'm excited for some cozy evenings in the backyard. (And also for the pile of scrap wood under our deck to disappear)!

I've been meme'd by Isaiah, (who incidentally was meme'd by Carrie) and now I have to do this:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.

2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.

3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.

4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So, here we go.

1. One of my favorite places to eat is the Greek restaurant...at the mall. They have the best gyro with Fattousch salad. Yummy!2. I'm embarrassed to admit that one of my summer pleasures is watching Big Brother. This is probably due to my enjoyment of hearing about drama in other people's lives. Though, I really don't like drama in my own life.3. I love to cook, but especially to bake. New recipes to try anyone? I love looking at food magazines, blogs, websites, etc. You've probably been able to tell from my blog that I'm a bit of a foodie.4. I have carpal tunnel syndrome. It hurts ... a lot... and keeps me up at night. I hate it.5. I love looking at new plants and flowers. I buy them, plant them, and watch the bunnies eat them.6. I really dislike cleaning the tub and shower. Yucky soap scum.7. I love researching family history/genealogy. In college, I tracked my ancestry to immigrating to the US. I have lost track of that document. So, my hope is to do that again, and this time research Wayne's family as well. Speaking of family, I miss mine.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Well, we did it. After 8 years of using the trusty tent my parents bought for us, we have purchased a new tent. The tent my parents bought for us worked great for the two of us, but with adding Tyler, it has been pretty cramped.

Today was our day of information gathering. We went to 5 different stores across town looking over their selection. I was looking for a tent that would have more floor space, a higher ceiling (so I wouldn't have to crouch so much) and better ventilation. (Kansas camping can get pretty warm).

After our day of searching, we found the Columbia Bugaboo Dome Tent. It easily meets all of my requirements and even has lots of storage spots and handy little zippered spaces to store shoes! We would have bought it right there...but all they had left was the floor model. Luckily, I have a husband who didn't want to pay full price for a floor model and who also thinks of such crazy things as looking online (yes, I'll admit I was too tired to think of it myself)...and ultimately got us a much better deal! So, here it is...coming to us from Cabela's. I'm excited.

While I was in Indiana this summer, my wonderful, talented sister, Lynette, took a bunch of pictures of us. (Thanks, Lynette, for providing both profile pictures I have). I have a very difficult time getting good pictures of Tyler, so I was extra pleased with what she was able to get. Somehow she got so many, that I can't decide which to print. I need to pick a series of either 3 horizontal or 3 vertical shots for a frame I have. I would like your help deciding which grouping to use. Please vote in the poll on the right.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Yesterday we (with Lisa and Oliver and Michelle, Abe and Leo) went to the Wichita Children's Theater Picnic at the Park. We had a pizza picnic outside, followed by the show, which today was Pinocchio. It was cute and kept the boys' attention.

Afterward, Pinocchio was handing out cookies. I think Tyler was a little unsure about the way they all looked in their costumes because he inched up (literally) to get a cookie, but did stop for a high-five. One of the joys of having the summer off is being able to do things like this. I think we'll do it again next summer.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Very interesting. I love to cook, but we also enjoy eating out. We've eaten out once this week, but some weeks it seems that we eat out almost daily. It just varies around here. When I posted this, I was feeling guilty for eating out a lot that week and was just curious about the habits of my friends and family. Thanks for voting! :)

Thursday, July 24, 2008

You are sympathetic and caring, putting friends and family first.A creature of habit, you prefer routines and have trouble with change.You love being in groups - whether you're helping people or working on a project.You are good at listening, laughing, and bringing out the best in people.

In love, you value harmony and mutual understanding.You will apologize or give someone the benefit of the doubt, if it means getting over a fight sooner.

At work, you are good at building relationships and connecting with people.You would make a great nurse, social worker, or teacher.

How you see yourself: Organized, dependable, co-operative

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Opinionated, critical, and know-it-all

We made a trip up to Hesston last evening for another delicious meal made by Ted and for some much needed help by Sue on these bean (corn) bags...in Steeler's colors, of course. Wayne has temporarily stored them. Or should I say, lined them up like a long bumblebee on our table.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Last evening, Wayne's parents came over and brought dinner with them. (Yummy fresh corn, special Italian sausage, and beans).

After many hours of work, Wayne has finished his corn hole game...well, sort of. He wants to modify the purchased bean bags and possibly paint part of the game boards. But, last night after dinner, we were able to play, and we had a lot of fun.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Wayne reminded me that we still have not officially welcomed our new neighbors with a plate of cookies or something. So, today after church, I decided to make cinnamon rolls. My aunt, Delilah, gave me her recipe. I hope it's okay that I'm sharing it. They are the best cinnamon rolls I've ever had. After they were done, I let Tyler have a small one. His review is the following, "Yeah...good...really good." (scarf, scarf)

Cinnamon Rolls - Delilah Yoder

3/4 cup water, very warm/hot

3 rounded Tablespoons yeast

pinch sugar

Mix and set aside

5 eggs, beat until light and foamy

Meanwhile, heat on stove until "almost boiling":3 cups milk

1 cup margarine

Add to milk mixture:

1 cup sugar

3 tsp salt

Add milk mixture to egg mixture, then add yeast mixture.Finally, add 11-12 cups flour. I substituted 2 cups of the white flour with wheat flour. I think I added more than 12 cups. Basically, add flour until the dough is still tacky, but you can work it without it sticking to everything. I used my stand mixer to a point. It just made too much dough to fit it all in there.

Oil a bowl, place dough in bowl and oil the top. Cover and let rise until doubled. Punch down. Let rise again and punch down. Divide into 6 balls. Let rest 10 minutes. Roll one ball out into approximately a 12-inch square. Brush with melted margarine and sprinkle (lots) of cinnamon sugar. Cut into 1-inch rolls. I was never told this, but they look much better if you trim off the very ends and don't use them. Well, actually when I was all done, I put the ends in another pan and baked them like monkey bread. Also, don't seal the edges and roll loosely. It makes for rolls that lay more nicely. Place into a greased pan. (I used 6 8-inch foil pans). Continue with remaining dough. Let rise again. Bake at 375 degrees until golden brown (or until internal temperature reaches 170-190 degrees). Let cool on cooling rack.

Frosting

1/2 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup half and half (plus more)

2 pound bag powdered sugar

Bring butter and brown sugar to a boil on low heat. Boil for 2 minutes. Add half and half. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Cool - but you really don't have to wait too long. Add powdered sugar and beat to make it more fluffy. If needed, add extra half and half. (I added more). The consistency should not be too thick -almost runny. Spread over cinnamon rolls.

I made 1 1/2 the recipe and had plenty of frosting leftover, but I love frosting and wanted to have enough. I felt my butt getting bigger as I sampled them, but they are yummy.

On Saturday, Matt and Michelle's oldest son, Abe, turned 5. He had a dinosaur kid party (no parents required) except for Wayne and I. We were happy to help with corralling the troops for the party. Michelle had lots of fun dinosaur games and coloring pages that the kids really enjoyed.

Wayne and I decided that this whole kid party is a neat idea. It just seemed so much more relaxed and with fewer adults to mingle with, we could focus on the kids. I really enjoy having people over, but our house quickly feels small, loud and hot with the birthday crowd. We may be giving this whole kid party a try this year! Of course, Ted and Sue and any family that makes it out for Tyler's birthday...hint, hint... would be welcome to our family only party. :)

In the evening, we went to Red Robin to celebrate our friend, Pat's, 32nd birthday. I love Red Robin, but I wisely shared my meal (which is always the Whiskey River BBQ burger) with Tyler. If I don't share, I can't stop myself and leave feeling ill from eating too much. It's just too good! They even sang to him and made him wear balloons on his ears.

Tyler trying out his new Super Soaker. He was really enjoying it. Now he just needs a friend to have a water fight with. (Because Mommy is bowing out).

Friday evening we had Matt and Michelle over for dinner. It has been way too long since they've been to our house - the last would have probably been April or early May. Yikes!

Michelle showing her trampoline skills.

We made fajitas - the recipe was courtesy my cousin, Sheldon, and his wife, Tisha. They made this recipe for us once and we love it. I think everyone should have it because it is so simple and SO delicious!

Finally, I tried to make an imitation dessert of what we had at the Downtown Sampler, a relative's restaurant in Hutchinson. We'll call it Puff Pastry with Caramel Sauce??

Puff Pastry with Caramel Sauce

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.Thaw 1 sheet puff pastry. I cut it into thirds along the creased lines. Melt butter and spread on one side of the pastry. Sprinkle lots of cinnamon and sugar on the butter. Place sugared sides together. (The third strip I cut in half lengthwise, then put one on top of the other). Cut into 1-inch strips. (1"x3") Bake until golden brown. Serve warm, drizzled with caramel sauce and a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Yesterday, after supper, Wayne went back to working on his corn hole game. Since the Yoder reunion (when they played hours of corn hole), Wayne has decided to make his own game. He is making good progress. I have not yet taken any pictures. Sorry.

Anyway, I suggested to Tyler that we go to the library. He wanted to go to the library and also asked to the playground. Anyway, as we pulled into the parking lot, he said in a high, tensed tone, "Not this library, the other library!" I suddenly realized that he meant he wanted to go to the Middlebury library (where the playground is right next to the library). He said that yes, this is where he wanted to go. I explained that Indiana is far away. He said, "but Middlebury is not far away. It is close. I want to go to that library." After more explanation (a.k.a. repeating myself), he understood he was stuck with his little neighborhood library for the evening. Poor kid - still confused.

Yesterday for supper, Wayne suggested a new Chinese restaurant he had passed the other day, Fortune Cookie. We almost turned around when we got out of our car, looked at the green spray painted door, plants still in their pots from the nursery, and Wayne said, "this has to be a cover for a drug operation or something." But, we forged ahead. Then when we entered and the waitress indicated it was buffet only, we almost turned around. (Later, when talking to her, we learned that we could have ordered off the menu - she was very friendly, but her English was a little difficult to understand). But not wanting to offend, we stayed. The food was okay. About what you would expect on a buffet with no one else there at 4:30 on a Tuesday. (We were going to beat "the rush"). ha ha ha. The tables and chairs were sticky. It was a bit more expensive than we expected. However, Tyler put down enough shrimp that I think he definitely got his money's worth. Ironically, the fortune cookies were stale and tasteless. It satisfied Wayne's curiosity, and even though we won't be going back, we do like to try new places just so we know. Now we know. I think we'll cook in tonight. :)

Monday, July 14, 2008

Oh boy. Those cute little brown bunnies are not looking very cute to me these days. I bought 5 new plants last week and they have nibbled on 3 of them, one pretty badly.

Pay no attention to the ugly underside of the deck.

My poor lilies. This is the same lily I took a picture of when I planted the marigolds. I have lots of them planted, but some of them have died and some are nibbled down to the ground. Grrrr. This afternoon, I sprinkled garlic powder and cayenne pepper on them. It smells great. We'll see if it gets rid of the little rabbits or not. I'm not holding my breath.

Yesterday afternoon, Ted and Sue came down to Wichita. We all went to see WALL-E. It was cute and we all enjoyed it.

Afterwards, we came back for dinner. I had been wanting to try a recipe I found on a link from a blog for Salmon Pesto Pasta. We all liked it and it tasted very summery with the pesto. I'll probably try adding more sauce the next time I make it. I made my go-to salad and also tried a new dessert, Blueberry-Peach Galettes. I like to have my guests be my test subjects. Yikes! But, everything was very good and I will definitely make them again!

This is an adapted recipe from TeneesaStuckey originally for Mandarin Orange Salad. If you want the original, let me know!

Add ingredients of your choice to around 1 head of romaine lettuce or a bag of salad. 1 batch of dressing is enough for about 1 1/2-2 salads.

On Sunday, we served blue cheese, sugared walnuts and Craisins on our salad.My friend, Michelle, started me on using feta cheese with sugared nuts and Craisins - which is quite delicious!If we're doing Italian, I like to add chopped hard salami, red onion, pepperoncini, and cubed mozzarella.The original recipe calls for bacon, avocado, mandarin oranges, red onion, and toasted almonds.

Blueberry-Peach Galettes(From Jen LeFevre in Edible, a cookbook by the Hesston Women's Civic Club).I am providing half the amounts of the original recipe. I halved it on Sunday and for the 5 of us, there was still a little leftover.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

"Mommy, when I was a baby, I wish you had named me a different name." When I asked if he knew what name he wishes he had, he replied, "I wish my name was Noah!" Don't know if this name came from watching Evan Almighty this week, but I thought it was funny.

Random side note - Today I found the "biggest brown recluse spider "that Wayne has ever seen. Yikes!! What is up with our garage?!?(This time he emptied out of Tyler's sidewalk chalk and stepped on it).

Friday, July 11, 2008

Tyler has told me several different times, in a concerned voice, that he doesn't want me to die. Today he told me that he doesn't want to die. (Which is progress, because not that long ago, he told me he wanted to die so he could see God). :)

I don't know if it has anything to do with my Grandpa David dying, but for whatever reason, he is trying to understand this whole living and dying thing. I try to reassure him, realistically (I don't say "you won't die", more like "you're healthy, you'll probably live a long, long time.)"

Last November, I started trying to walk daily because I had noticed an irregular heart beat, and it scared me. I started thinking about how I needed to take better care of myself because I don't want Tyler to have to grow up without a mom. (I needed to do this anyway, and I'm happy to say that my heart rate seems normal again).

When I was young, I remember worrying often about my parents dying. I'm not sure where it came from, other than my seemingly anxious personality - I don't know other kids who thought about that. I don't recall talking about worries about any of us dying, but I wonder if he is picking up on my fears. Maybe I'm just thinking too much about it! (While I'm sitting here, Tyler just came up to me, "Mommy, I love you. I want you to stay alive all day."). :)

Random side note:This morning, I was on the phone and was trying to quickly explain to Tyler that he couldn't do something. Without really thinking about it, I finished by saying, "I know, you hate me."He looked down, and in a serious tone said, "well, I like you, but..."I laughed - I probably need to drop figures of speech. :0)

We were cleaning out our garage a couple of days ago and discovered this big black widow spider. It was very big, though it's kind of hard to tell from the pictures. I was feeling like a wimp because I asked him to come out to take care of it, but after his reaction (surprise and caution), I was glad I had.

Wayne caught it and put it in a jar. He pulled it out to see it put out webbing, then back into the jar. We released it by the side of the road (across town) last night.

I was trying to take a picture of the red hourglass on it's underside - but I was scared to get too close - so it's out of focus.

Wayne and I read this parenting article when we were in Indiana (from Mom and Dad's copy of US News and World Report). Wayne really loved it. For those of you who are interested, read on. If not, disregard! In any case, I think I'll have a copy available at school during the coming year.

For the record, I am not a perfect parent nor expect that I will be...so don't watch too closely the next time we're together. :)

I should have added to my last post - it appears I need to stop talking about my weight in front of Tyler... Or at least be prepared (as I was, as I found it amusing) for him to try to figure out what I'm talking about by asking me not so nice questions. :)

I've been trying to adjust to being back at home, in Kansas that is. Leaving home in Indiana was hard, harder than it's been since we moved out here nearly 6 years ago. On Wednesday, I walked around in a daze, looking at all the work and organizing to do, but I had no energy or motivation to do much of anything. I even took a nap, which is rare for me. Finally, I drank some coffee and got some things done. I decided that either I'm sad because I'm missing home, or I am caffeine addicted. I was hoping it was caffeine addiction, but since I felt the same way the next morning, I decided that it's probably a little of both. But it is all worth it! And, I'm happy to say that as I've been reconnecting here, it's been getting better.

Several times on Wednesday and Thursday, Tyler brought me his play green beans. He told me that it is "energy food that makes you feel better when you're sad." My sweet young man!

We have spent time with our friends, the Jabergs, every day but the 4th. Pat has taken a week of vacation, so they are in vacation-mode. We have eaten out, gone swimming and shopping. That has been a lot of fun.

On the 4th, I got to talk to my sister which cheered me up. Later, Wayne's parents, Ted and Sue, came down to Wichita. We enjoyed dinner at Abuelo's and then gelato at Chill for dessert. Yummy!! We got to play dominoes and watch fireworks in the neighborhood. That was a good day and the start to really feeling more like myself again.

Tyler has been happy to be home to play with his toys. I don't remember his play room being such a mess before. His Thomas the Train track and engines have been spread out all over the living room floor since we've been home.

The Mimosa - formerly "the twig" - has been growing leaves while I was away.

Yesterday, I weeded a very small section of landscaping in the back which took 3 hours. Yes, aunt Kathy, you spent 3 hours in your garden. I spent three hours in a relatively tiny patch of earth. It. Was. Bad. We have a mound of dirt under the deck that we need to dispose of somehow. The weeds had grown so thick on it (and spread into my flower bed) that a family of bunnies had made it their nest. Apparently the marigolds alone couldn't fend the bunnies off. They had chewed my lilies down to the stalks again. So, I decided I had to weed the dirt pile to get rid of bunnies' nest, and weed the rest because it was driving me bonkers. It looks much better...at least for now.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

On Sunday, we had a Yoder reunion. I haven't been to a reunion in many years because of not having enough vacation time. I am very thankful that I was able to attend. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures. We had to say goodbye to Lynette and Rusty, which was very hard. They are going to Thailand for at least 2 years. I've been excited for them because they can't wait to go, but it was still very sad to say goodbye.

Monday morning, I took Mom to Goshen Hospital for her colonoscopy and everything checked out well. While she rested, we had lunch with Dad. Soon, though, Mom woke up and wanted to go bowling - which was fun, even though I'm terrible. On the way home, we swung by my uncle JR's and saw their house - which they've lived in for 5 years, but I have not yet seen. We also met their bunnies and goat, Bertha. Tyler especially enjoyed feeding the bunnies. We headed home and had a Gator ride to the Das Dutchman Essenhaus for dinner. The final activity that Dad had planned but we hadn't yet done was to set a bonfire. So, we bundled up (it was cold)! and headed out to the pasture.

Wayne and Dad with their gasoline, oil and lighters...

The blaze.

We left Tuesday morning and had a 14 hour trip home. It was hard to leave. Being home, seeing people, being with family was wonderful! It was busy and we did a lot, and I'm very thankful for the time we had together. During our month or so together, Dad often repeated "to the sweet, young, man!" to Tyler. Tyler usually pretended not to notice and hadn't said anything about it. At a rest stop, we were getting back into the car and out of nowhere he said "to the sweet, young man!" and smiled. That stinker is paying attention.

At a rest stop when he had to go #2, I asked whether he had gone the day before. He said, "I drank a root beer float and when I drink root beer I have to poop. Today I drank root beer and saved my poop for this day." (We had stopped at an A&W for lunch).

When we were almost home, (We had watched Shrek) Tyler said "there's a real dragon!" Wayne asked him what it means when something is real. Tyler explained, "If there's a real dragon, then call someone who has a gun and tell them to get the ladder and to attack the dragon. Tell him to do target shooting and the dragon will be dead, into death. Wait!? That's the right word."

Also, a couple of times recently, Tyler has told me, "You're breaking my heart" and

"How many times do I have to tell you?" (When he has repeated himself). Stinker.